04/13/2021
Hapay Testimonial Tuesday ❣I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10,)Jesus lived and died so we can experience abundant life, a life exuding joy, and a life so full that others crave to know the source of that fullness. Joy is not the result of outward circumstances. Joy is an inside job, a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control. Every trial or loss, every defeat or victory measured against this confidence can be counted as joy. The decision is ours to make. Paul says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13, ).James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy. The pursuit of joy is a matter of choice. Our inward perspective does not have to reflect our outward circumstances. We can choose joy! A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, a baseball cap on his head and a ball and bat in his hands. He was muttering, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” Then he tossed the ball in the air, swung at it, and missed. “Strike one!” He picked up the ball, threw it into the air, and said to himself, “I’m the greatest hitter ever!” He swung at the ball again. “Strike two!” He paused, examined his bat and ball, and threw the ball into the air, missing a third time. He cried out, “Wow! I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”Father, I come to You with a heart full of praise. Forgive me when I doubt Your work in my life. Please help me walk by faith – not by sight. Teach me to see my daily life through Your eyes and show me how to live in Your joy.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen